Julian excited to see York-Beverley line awarded Government funding for the development of a business case
October 27, 2021
A bid to restore the 40-mile direct rail route between York and Beverley was given an important boost in today’s Budget.
The bid, co-sponsored by Julian and the Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart, will now receive support from officials at the Department for Transport as well as funding for 75% of the cost of creating a business case, up to a maximum of £50,000.
This business case is the first step towards developing more detailed proposals, which may lead to the Government and the private sector providing financial support for the delivery of the project.
The bid is one of 89 submitted during the third round of the fund, and one of almost 200 across all three rounds so far. Before today, only 25 bids had been given the go-ahead after being analysed by an expert panel including the Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, and Sir Peter Hendry, the Chair of Network Rail.
Commenting on the announcement Julian said:
I was delighted to see the Chancellor listen to my call to investigate the case for restoring the York to Beverley railway, one of just 13 such schemes nationwide. This is very welcome news for York and the wider region, showing that the Government is committed to investing in projects that will make a real difference to local people. I have been campaigning for the reopening of the York to Beverley line since I was first elected and commend the tireless passion of local supporters of this project, without whom this bid would not have been possible.
With the reopening of the York to Beverley line being key to ensuring the feasibility of a new station at Haxby, it is no coincidence that the two proposals have both received Government backing and I look forward to continuing to advocate for both schemes as we enter the next phase.
